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Updated: Jun 21, 2026
04:48
Control of Eating Behavior Using a Novel Feedback System
Published on: May 8, 2018
Low inhibitory control and restrictive feeding practices predict weight outcomes
Stephanie L Anzman1, Leann L Birch
1Center for Childhood Obesity Research, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
The Journal of Pediatrics
|July 15, 2009
Summary
Children with lower self-control are at higher risk for obesity. Parental feeding practices can worsen or improve this risk, highlighting the need for early intervention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Developmental psychology
- Pediatric obesity research
- Behavioral science
Background:
- Identifying early predictors of obesity is crucial in obesogenic environments.
- Inhibitory control, a key temperament trait, may influence weight trajectories.
- Parenting practices, particularly feeding styles, can impact child weight outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine if early inhibitory control predicts weight gain in girls.
- To determine if parental restrictive feeding moderates the link between inhibitory control and weight.
- To identify early markers for obesity susceptibility.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of 197 non-Hispanic white girls and their parents from ages 5 to 15.
- Assessed inhibitory control, parental feeding restriction, and body mass index (BMI).
- Utilized maternal reports for temperament and child reports for feeding practices.
Main Results:
- Lower inhibitory control at age 7 correlated with higher BMI and increased weight gain.
- Girls with lower inhibitory control were more likely to be overweight by age 15.
- Perceived parental restriction intensified the negative association between inhibitory control and weight status.
Conclusions:
- Early differences in inhibitory control may predispose individuals to obesity.
- Parental restrictive feeding practices can exacerbate obesity risk in susceptible children.
- Targeting inhibitory control and parenting strategies may mitigate childhood obesity.
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